Taking Time

Our guest room/office is in preproduction for a makeover with JYSK.  We are planning to transform the space with dark, moody wallpaper, a daybed, and tons of texture and personality. In the meantime I am very much enjoying the empty space. Maybe one day I will have a studio just to create in. Yes, I'd like that very much. I've decided to play with watercolours, treat myself to brownies and hazelnut coffee, and infuse some creative energy into the room. I found this great art store in our new neighbourhood called ARTiculations. I picked up some supplies I have never used before and have no idea how to, and began to play.

Since life is a constant stream of hectic over here, I have been consciously attempting to take quiet moments to myself. I'm sitting in meditation every almost every day for 1 hour and trying to disconnect from my computer and phone more often and for longer periods of time. Most days I fail, but I am learning the importance of taking time.  My job is creative, but often requires staring for hours at my computer screen, which is hard on my body and spirit.  I think making things just for practice and for the love of creation is so important, especially for those of us who do it for a living. What helps me is working in silence, and not having my phone around at all when I am doing any kind of creative work. 

My wood JORD watch allows me to keep track of time without depending on my cell.  I can leave it in a different room and not get distracted. What a brilliant idea (heavy dose of sarcasm, here). I am not a jewelry person. I wear my engagement ring, and...uhhh ya that's it.  I like this piece because it looks organic and isn't at all flashy. I have always wanted a good watch because they make me feel unjustifiably nostalgic. Maybe I'm an old man on the inside.

You can WIN your own wood watch until March 26 by clicking HERE!
I chose the frankie 30 series dark sandal wood and slate.




*This is a sponsored post

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Bauli Valentine's Day Croissants

Valentine’s Day colours are my jam. I'm loving Nat’s work with Bauli’s mini croissants. A drip of pink died white chocolate adds some serious pretty to these yummy littles. Maybe a breakfast or after school V-Day snack for the kiddo’s?

Can’t go wrong with strawberries dipped in coloured candy melts.

Wishing you all a beautiful week and a Happy Valentine's Day?!
Much love!

XO Mercedes & Nat

*This is a sponsored post
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Galentine's Day Love Letter Brunch

There is something so charming and romantic about a love letter.  How fun would it be to give one to a friend, telling her how incredible you think she is?! We created this Galentine's Day Brunch to inspire you to invite some of your favourites over and show them some love.  My friend Sarah, lucky for me, is the brilliant cook behind Buona Sarah. She made delicous pancakes using her favourite recipe and brought them to brunch. Get the recipe here, and take a look at all the other delicious recipes on her blog while you're at it. Yum.  Nat and I put together this spread of brunch goodness, including fresh baked cinnamon roles and a chocolate cake filled with strawberry ganache. 

The backdrop was so simple and fun to create. We used white gaffer tape to attach the envelopes to the wall. If you're careful taking them off it doesn't leave any residue. We mixed fresh, dried, silk flowers, and greens together and placed them in the envelopes.  I left this on my dining room wall for a week.  It added such a simple and beautiful touch of femininity to my space.

I always love the idea of filling the centre of the table with food so the host and guests can sit and enjoy without having to get up for seconds. I didn't want to use plates, so I crumpled up and then flattened some light brown parchment paper. This added a nice texture, and was a convenient way to place food in a design friendly way, while creating a tasty table runner.


Now...how to host your own Galentine's Day Love Letter Brunch!
  1. Download and print our LOVE LETTER TEMPLATE.
  2. The host should write the names of each guest on the first blank line of the "love letter."
  3. Place the template's in envelopes and put them randomly beside the place setting of each guest. Or, if you're doing something less formal, hand them out anonymously to your ladies. 
  4. Each guest should open her envelope and fill out the letter, letting that person know how great they are. Be honest and love out.
  5. Give the letter to your Galentine.
  6. Eat, drink, and enjoy the company of your friends :).


I am having so much fun teaching myself to edit videos! 
I'm also grateful to have such wonderful and beautiful friends.

Don't forget to TAG us use the hashtage #THEPARTYPARADELIFE for a chance to be featured! We want to see your work!

XO
Mercedes
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